Rathman Agrees

OK, forget what I wrote earlier about Tom Rathman being a co-offensive coordinator. Apparently, neither the 49ers nor Rathman thought that was such a good idea. This evening, Rathman agreed to terms to become the 49ers next running backs coach, which, as many of you noted, is a fine hire. Rathman is a dedicated family man and maybe he doesn’t want to be consumed with the X’s and O’s as a coordinator yet.

This hire might not sit too well with Tony Nathan. He was fired and Mike Singletary said the reason was a new coordinator would have the freedom to select his own quarterbacks coach and running backs coach. Ooops. However, it might have been a situation where signing Rathman was too good to pass up. He could also provide desperately needed continuity for this team by moving into the coordinator’s spot should the next one leave.

Also does it mean the 49ers already have their next coordinator and they can’t name him yet because he’s on a playoff team? That might explain the slow pace of interviews. Although I don’t think that’s the case, but you never know.

The 49ers might also be thinking they will promote from within. As mentioned previously, receivers coach Jerry Sullivan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster have coordinated before. They could also promote offensive assistant Adam Gase to quarterbacks coach.

These wouldn’t be sexy hires, but the 49ers don’t want that. Who needs another coordinator just using the 49ers as a stepping stone to get some place else?